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The shrimp might be ghost shrimp, have also seen them labeled glass shrimp, maybe the label was wrong. That is the only shrimp I can see selling for that price. They are often used as feeder snacks for bigger fish. It is a good way to test drive having shrimp before buying the expensive ones.

Thank you Lady10Godiva, I could have very well miss-read the label on the tank...going to stop by that LFS today and look around a bit more

For the horned nerite snail, I wouldn't add four - one would be enough. These are great for keeping things clean of certain algae and I have one in three of my tanks. But the reason I say go with only one in a small tank is that they tend to lay eggs everywhere - on the glass on driftwood, plants, etc. - and it can be really annoying to see these tiny white specks everywhere and try to clean them up if that's your preference. Personally, I don't even try anymore.

They won't hatch and breed as they need brackish water for that, but they most likely will lay eggs. And four of them in that small tank could make quite a mess.

I have a private vendor that I purchase bumblebee x tiger hybrid shrimp from. Their stripes are not quite as pronounced as the stripes in the picture you linked, but I will pm you her info as soon as I can find it. I think she only charges $1.50 per shrimp and like $8 shipping or something. I loved her shrimp that she sold me. Very healthy and active.

Good morning CL, thanks so much for that!...I actually think the tiger shrimp would look better with our tank setup/colors than the cherry reds, but I would like to have either one at this point...and I need some more snails, or the small catfish that feed on algae (corys?)...

For the horned nerite snail, I wouldn't add four - one would be enough. These are great for keeping things clean of certain algae and I have one in three of my tanks. But the reason I say go with only one in a small tank is that they tend to lay eggs everywhere - on the glass on driftwood, plants, etc. - and it can be really annoying to see these tiny white specks everywhere and try to clean them up if that's your preference. Personally, I don't even try anymore.

They won't hatch and breed as they need brackish water for that, but they most likely will lay eggs. And four of them in that small tank could make quite a mess.

Cories won't feed on the algae but what you might be thinking of are otocinclus - oto cats. These are great and relatively small and you could probably have 3-4 of them easily.

As far as the shrimp go, I don't have mollies or platys so I can't say for sure, but these are not really small fish. I'd be worried a bit about either cherry or tiger shrimp but someone with similar fish would know better. At least any babies would probably be in jeopardy.

Maybe look at amano shrimp which can get to a good size and are also pretty good with algae. They won't breed as they need brackish water for that. Or since you are just starting out why not try the ghost (glass, grass - all the same) shrimp first and see how the fish take to them. These shrimp are so cheap that a $.30 fish snack won't smart as much as a more expensive one. Then, while you're planning the 55 gallon tank, you can also think of a 5 gallon, shrimp only tank, too, for some of the more expensive ones!!

Cories won't feed on the algae but what you might be thinking of are otocinclus - oto cats. These are great and relatively small and you could probably have 3-4 of them easily.

As far as the shrimp go, I don't have mollies or platys so I can't say for sure, but these are not really small fish. I'd be worried a bit about either cherry or tiger shrimp but someone with similar fish would know better. At least any babies would probably be in jeopardy.

Maybe look at amano shrimp which can get to a good size and are also pretty good with algae. They won't breed as they need brackish water for that. Or since you are just starting out why not try the ghost (glass, grass - all the same) shrimp first and see how the fish take to them. These shrimp are so cheap that a $.30 fish snack won't smart as much as a more expensive one. Then, while you're planning the 55 gallon tank, you can also think of a 5 gallon, shrimp only tank, too, for some of the more expensive ones!!

Thanks SueD, you are absolutely correct, the "oto cats" are what I was thinking of...will look into getting a couple of those...

Went to the LFS store yesterday, and they DO have what they call "grass shrimp"...I asked if they do special orders, and the girl said "no"...was hoping she could order me some different shrimp, but no big deal...those "grass" shrimp are very cheap, I might very well try some of those to see how my mollie and platys react to them...They don't look very impressive in the tank they have them in at the LFS, but against our clown puke gravel they may stand out a bit

The trip to the LFS wasn't a total waste, brought home a couple of "mickey mouse" platys and surprised Lauren with them...

Be careful adding fish to your tank. You added seven x-ray tetra a few days ago now two platy's. Platy's and molly's are are "dirty" fish and will create a decent sized bio-load for a 10 gallon. Molly's will also eventually outgrow that small tank. With 2 tetra, 2 molly's, and 2 platy's, my opinion is your tank is fully stocked. Keep a close eye on the parameters.

If it's called tourist season why can't I shoot them?
Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes that reason is you are stupid and make bad decisions. I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.
A moderator on a fish forum should be able to identify an oscar... Don't you think?

Be careful adding fish to your tank. You added seven x-ray tetra a few days ago now two platy's. Platy's and molly's are are "dirty" fish and will create a decent sized bio-load for a 10 gallon. Molly's will also eventually outgrow that small tank. With 2 tetra, 2 molly's, and 2 platy's, my opinion is your tank is fully stocked. Keep a close eye on the parameters.

Hi HB1,
Yes I know I need to slow down...done with fish, just mainly thinking of some shrimp and maybe another snail, or will that be over-doing it too?...thanks for the info as always

Shrimp have a very small bio-load, but they do prefer a well matured tank, I would hold off on them for a while. Maybe it's time for that bigger tank to keep you occupied

If it's called tourist season why can't I shoot them?
Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes that reason is you are stupid and make bad decisions. I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.
A moderator on a fish forum should be able to identify an oscar... Don't you think?